We did it! Now, join us for Studs Terkel bridge dedication Saturday

We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends, family, and fans of Minnie Minoso from around the country.

We have met our Kickstarter goal with 43 hours to spare!

As you know, documentaries are costly and this Kickstarter goal is only a portion of the total budget for the project. All contributions beyond our goal will be deeply appreciated and helpful.

We still have the two collectible signed Minoso jerseys. Minnie gave them to us to help us fund this project, and we want them to go to you. They are now available to the first two contributors at the $499 level (reduced from $1,499 and $1,999).

Enough about Minnie… join us on Saturday for the first of several Studs Terkel Centenary events!

May 16th marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Pulitzer Prize winning author and oral historian Louis “Studs” Terkel. At Noon this Saturday, May 12th, the Division Street Bridge, just west of Halsted, will be rededicated in his honor. Division Street: America, published in 1966, was his first book of oral history.

The Division Street Bridge was dedicated to Studs by Mayor Richard M. Daley in 1992, but sometime in the last 20 years, the designation was removed. Here’s the video (skip ahead to 1:10):

Governor Pat Quinn, Congressman Mike Quigley, State Senator Pat McGuire, and Alderman Scott Waguespack are expected to join a merry mob of Terkel torch-carriers to speak up and sing out, with help from the Mucca Pazza marching band and the Old Town School of Folk Music.

After the event, those in attendance are invited to gather at the nearby Hideout Chicago bar (1354 West Wabansia), which is opening its doors early for a special Terkel Toast.

Early this year, a loose-knit group of Terkel’s friends, neighbors, associates, and admirers formed the Studs Terkel Centenary Committee to recognize Studs and his wife, Ida Goldberg Terkel, who also would have turned 100 this month.

More information about Studs Terkel and 100th birthday events is available online at the centenary website and at Studs Terkel 100 on Facebook and Twitter.